From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., partake in delicious food, tasty beverages, live music, great company and the works of various artists on display at the Greater Flint Arts Council, Buckham Gallery, St. Paul’s Church, The Lunch Studio, The Rowe Building Gallery, Pages Book Store and the Yoga Loft. Stop by the Greater Flint Arts Council for a walking map.

Attractions

(Monday-Friday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.) The Gallery displays over 25 classical and concept locally built automobiles featuring five one-of-a-kind concept Cars – a 1954 Wildcat II, Centurion, Arrow, Phantom and an XP. Also on display is an extensive renovated Buick Bug.

“Between the Wars” – As the 1920s roared and the 1930s whimpered, the automobile transitioned from childhood to maturity. While all vehicles from the first horseless carriages through modern “smart” cars share basic features, automobiles manufactured at the end of W.W. I and the beginning of the U.S. involvement in W.W. II are as different as a pre-teen and middle-aged human. View some natural beauties from this time period.

(Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.) Enjoy regional history, historic automobiles and hands-on science activities in the Science Discovery Center where children and adults can explore principles of chemistry and physics through exhibits and staff presentations. Stroll through Sloan’s Automotive Gallery and view major automotive exhibits featuring vehicles from the Sloan fleet of over 80 Flint-built automobiles.

“The Brave and the Faithful: Michigan in the Civil War” – This exhibit highlights people from Flint and Genesee County and their involvement in the Civil War featuring artifacts, letters written to love ones, photographs and more.

“Flint and The American Dream” – Relive Flint’s dramatic history, as the birthplace of General Motors comes to life with over 600 artifacts and photographs, including rare antique automobiles, colorful neon signs, period clothing, household furnishings, commercial goods and much more. Encounter the ups and downs of General Motors, the birth of the UAW and what life was like in Flint during the 50s, 60s and 70s.

“Holiday Trains” – Train enthusiasts of all ages will enjoy this HO Scale model railroad showcasing model trains and displays with realistic diesel sounds. Visitors will be taken back to the days when the Iron Horse sped across Michigan. This exhibit runs through January 27.

(Tuesday-Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.) Throughout January, “It’s All About the Mitten” at the Flint Children’s Museum. Learn about the Great Lakes State of Michigan featuring its history, geography, fun facts and trivia. Participate in hands-on activities daily from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Recommended for ages 2 to 10.

(Tours Thursday & Friday at 2 p.m. & 3:30 p.m. and Saturday at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. & 3:30 p.m. – call ahead for all other requested tour times) Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Whaley House is filled with hundreds of family and period artifacts that tell the story of the Whaley’s and Victorian Era Flint. Tours last an hour and include the 1st and 2nd floors of the home.

“Skeeter Scarecrow’s Starry Sky”, (Show starts at 12:30 p.m. & 3:30 p.m.) Meet Skeeter, the scarecrow, as he explains how the motion of the Earth causes day and night as the Sun sets. Find out how to use the Big Dipper to locate the North Star for directions and take a tour of the major constellations of each season. Skeeter will also talk about the Moon and how it moves and its phases, along with what makes each planet unique. This sky show is recommended for ages 6 and older.

“The Planets” – Narrated by Kate Mulgrew, Captain Janeway of “Star Trek: Voyager”, (Show starts at 2 p.m.) Tour the planets of our Solar System and find out what is currently known. Also, find out what our current night sky looks like. This sky show is recommended for adults and children 10 and older and includes stunning visualizations and some of the latest images from robotic explorers.

Theater

(Show times are Friday & Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.) Oscar-winning director Barry Levinson helmed this chiller set in a Maryland town beset by an ecological disaster. This film is rated R.

Presented by the Russian National Ballet Theatre, share in the magic of this timeless tale as the 50-member company whisks a lonely girl from the clutches of her evil stepmother and into the arms of a handsome prince. Under the artistic direction of Elena Radchenko, this amazing production comes alive amidst a lavish theatrical set complete with magical effects and the courtly splendor for which the Russian ballet is widely famous. The show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are available online or at The Whiting Box Office.

In a seemingly perfect Victorian home, a proper gentleman and scientist innocently invents a device for treating “hysteria.” Adjacent to the doctor’s laboratory, his young energetic wife tries to tend to their newborn daughter and wonders what exactly is going on in the next room. Doctor and wife must examine the nature of their complicated relationship and what it truly means to love someone. The performance begins at 6 p.m. followed by a talk-back with the performers and light refreshments. Staged readings are recommended for adults and older teens. Tickets are available online or at the Flint Youth Theatre.

Entertainment and Events

“The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey IMAX 3D Experience” – Rated PG-13, Bilbo Baggins is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor, which was long ago conquered by the dragon Smaug. Approached out of the blue by wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining the company of 13 dwarves led by the legendary warrior Thorin Oakenshield. Their journey takes them into the wild through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and giant Spiders, Shapeshifters and Sorcerers. Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain, they must first escape the Goblin Tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that changes his life forever, Gollum. Not only does Bilbo discover the depths of guile and courage that surprises even him, he also gains possession of Gullum’s precious ring that holds unexpected and useful qualities.

January 10: Flint School of Performing Arts to Host Musicians from 15 High School Bands and Orchestras, The Whiting * 1241 E. Kearsley Street, Flint * (810) 237-7333 * thewhiting.com

Members of 15 local high school bands and orchestras will join the Flint Youth Wind Ensemble and Flint Youth Symphony Orchestra for the “Mid-Michigan Band and Orchestra Day” at the Flint Institute of Music, located at 1025 E. Kearsley Street in Flint. This event will include a full day of rehearsals, sectionals, master classes and a “Careers in Music” workshop. The day will conclude with a spectacular concert at The Whiting, starting at 7 p.m., with over 260 talented high school musicians performing. Tickets are available at The Whiting Box Office.

Shopping

“Shop until you drop” at Flint’s 1.3 million square feet of shopping space anchored by Macy’s, JC Penney, Sears and Burlington Coat Factory. Find those unique buys at the Center’s one-of-a-kind shops and markets such as Buckle and Forever 21. The Outdoor Village offers 65,000 square feet of boulevard-style shopping and national tenants including Bar Louie, Chico’s, Coldwater Creek and more. Check website, under the heading Sales, for special coupon savings.

Find incredible values on all the new season fashions with up to a 65% discount on every day savings. Shop at over 145 well-known brand name stores such as the Pottery Barn Outlet, COACH Factory and the Nike Factory Store. Check website, under the heading Sales, for a list of additional in-store promotions.

Great Lakes Crossing Outlets is the market’s dominant retail outlet and entertainment destination, attracting customers throughout the Midwest and Canada. With 185 manufacturer’s outlets and traditional retail stores, Great Lakes Crossing Outlets is Michigan’s only enclosed value-regional mall. Check website, under the heading Sales & Offers, for special coupon savings.

(Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Shop for fresh fruit, produce, cheese, meats, gourmet coffees, desserts, baked goods, flowers, vintage wares, unique crafts, fine arts and more. While visiting the market, stop by “d’vine Wines” for unique gadgets and a selection of Michigan wines and brews (810) 235-WINE). Also, visit the market’s 2nd floor for restaurant service, boutique shopping and a chance to stroll through the “Art at the Market Gallery”, which offers great gifts of art or just the opportunity to view and enjoy art from over 35 local artists (810) 238-9202).

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON FLINT AND GENESEE, PLEASE VISIT OUR COUNTYWIDE CALENDAR AT GENESEEFUN.COM

All information and dates above are subject to change without notice.
Please call ahead to confirm.